News article
Sustainability round-up: FIBA, European Athletics and more…
Also in the news: Formula 1, Pledgeball, Paralympics Australia…
Formula 1 has announced a multi-year partnership with Aggreko, a provider of temporary power solutions, to deliver low-carbon energy generation systems at all European Grands Prix from the 2025 season. Aggreko and F1 have been working together since 2023, and trialled a centralised power generation compound at the Austrian Grand Prix that year, which reduced associated carbon emissions by 90% within the paddock, pit lane and broadcast areas compared to 2022.
Sticking with Formula 1, the recent Dutch Grand Prix at Zandvoort saw a number of sustainability initiatives utilised. In 2022, 98% of visitors used sustainable transport to and from the circuit, with organisers expecting to have matched or exceeded this figure in 2024. The event has also transitioned to a permanent green power grid, and has worked with handicap.nl to offer special care amenities for those with disabilities. Cleaning teams were deployed at the circuit to make sure there was no rubbish left behind, and a token recycling system was in place so that fans could win prizes post-event with the goal of encouraging guests to return their cups.
FIBA (International Basketball Federation) has extended its partnership with Chinese sports flooring supplier Enlio. The deal will see the continued use of court surfaces for the FIBA 3×3 World Tour and the FIBA 3×3 World Cup until 2034. Crafted from recycled thermoplastic elastomer tiles, the sustainable court replaced the traditional synthetic rubber surface, in line with FIBA’s commitment to environmental responsibility and reducing its footprint.
The recent European Athletics U18 Championships in Banska Bystrica, Slovakia from July 18-21 set new standards for European Athletics events in sustainability. The governing body for athletics in Europe worked with the local organising committee to develop a strategy focused on five core areas: paper reduction, single-use plastic reduction, low emissions travel, waste reduction and environmental education.
Paralympics Australia has welcomed the government’s decision to provide financial rewards to Paralympians who win medals at the Paris 2024 and Milano-Cortina 2026 Paralympic Games. Australia’s Minister for Sport Anika Wells revealed the announcement ahead of the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games, which got underway yesterday (August 28). This builds on the financial incentives that were first awarded for the Tokyo 2020 Games, and brings it in line with Olympic medallists, whose reward payments are funded by the Australian Olympic Committee (AOC).
Scottish football club Dundee FC has proposed designs for a new stadium and event campus, featuring sustainable design elements. Proposals said that it would be an all-electric multifunctional venue, in line with FIFA’s Green Goals initiative and the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). It would also feature 100% recyclable seating, a ‘green roof’ to promote biodiversity, and rainwater re-harvesting. The club said that net-zero design underpinned the masterplan, while there would be a dedicated e-bus terminal, cycle hub and EV charging facilities to encourage green travel.
A tennis club in a small town in Somerset has been awarded £500 in Pledgeball funding, after winning a round in 2023’s LTA Pledgeball League. The money will be used by Ilminster Tennis Club to replace existing floodlights with energy-efficient LEDs. The Lawn Tennis Association (LTA) launched the Pledgeball League last year, aimed at promoting sustainability across its tennis club members in the UK.
Image: FIBA